McNeese Offers Horatio Alger William J. Dore’ Louisiana Scholarships

March 11, 2019

Twenty-eight students are currently attending McNeese State University thanks in part to the Horatio Alger William J. Doré Louisiana Scholarship.

This award is changing the lives of students by allowing them to invest
in their education without worrying about the financial burden many families
face to pay for college, according to Ralynn Castete, scholarships director at
McNeese.

“This award specifically recognizes those students who have faced and
overcome great obstacles to succeed in their education,” said Castete.

The scholarship was established by McNeese graduate William “Bill” J. Doré,
founder of Global Industries Ltd., a worldwide marine construction and offshore
diving company. Doré is a national Horatio Alger Award recipient for his
lifetime achievement and success as an entrepreneur.

“Mr. Doré began his small business with just three employees, but through
perseverance and hard work, his company is now a worldwide leader in its
field,” said Castete.

Farmina Islam, left, an engineering major, and Michelle Andrepont, a health and human performance major, are both Horatio Alger William J. Doré Louisiana Scholarship recipients at McNeese State University

One of the scholarship recipients, Farmina Islam, is a freshman
engineering major from Lake Charles. Making McNeese her first choice was never
in question – Islam has three sisters who are all McNeese graduates. However,
with the TOPS program not fully funded, her family worried about how the
remaining cost of her education would be met. Receiving this scholarship filled
in the gap.

“When I found out I had received this scholarship, I was so excited but
also relieved that my family would not have to worry about finding a way to
financially support my education. I have been able to purchase my books and
supplies for the semester. Everything is an expense but now my family is left
without a financial hardship,” said Islam. “Being recognized with this award
for my hard work as a student has only motivated me to continue devoting my
time to making my dreams a reality.”

Michelle Andrepont, a senior health and human performance major, is also
a scholarship recipient. Andrepont, who commutes to McNeese from Jennings, has
been able to pursue her degree because of this scholarship.

“When I was deciding where to go to college, the scholarship offers played a role in my decision. McNeese became my first choice because this award allowed my family to have peace of mind about funding my education,” explained Andrepont. “The scholarship has given me the drive to excel and remain focused in my studies.”

To find out more about the Horatio Alger William J. Doré Louisiana Scholarship, call McNeese’s Student Central at 337-475-5065.